Marble ossuary with Hellenistic funerary offerings

Agora Museum, Athens, Greece

---

Material: Marble, glass, and gold
Date range: 323 - 31 BC (Hellenistic period)
Origin: Greece

This marble ossuary held the cremated remains of the dead, a common Hellenistic burial practice. Its solid form and fine marble suggest the burial of a person of high social status.

The glass unguentaria around it once contained perfumed oils offered to the deceased. Their presence points to ritual acts of anointing as part of funerary ceremonies.

Fragments of a gold wreath, a ring, and a danake coin emphasize the religious meaning of the burial. These objects reflect beliefs about honoring the dead and preparing the soul for its journey to the underworld.

Museum label reference: (Hellenistic period) 16. marble ossuary

Original Text: (ελληνιστικοί χρόνοι) 16. μαρμάρινη οστεοθήκη

---

Supplementary images:

• 

---

Hellenistic marble ossuary containing cremated remains and glass vessels

---

Source:  Athens, Greece